Croatian jazz singer Ines Trickovic will be performing with local Macau musicians at the Sifang Art Space on Avenida do Almirante Lacerda on March 14, she told the Post in an online interview last week.
Trickovic, who lived in Macau for several years before the COVID-19 pandemic and performed in Macau many times, will this time be joined by saxophonist Lam Chak Seng, guitarist Chan Hon Chong, drummer Fanfan Cheung, and Zhuhai-based double bassist Liu Ao.
The performance will feature traditional jazz styles with an emphasis on bossa nova, bebop*, and swing.
Born in 1982 in Croatia, Trickovic described her country as a well-developed and cultured nation, despite its modest size, boasting a rich heritage of jazz and classical music traditions. Her musical style incorporates elements of traditional Croatian vocal sounds, characterised in the interpretation of long notes, breath control, and the use of voice as a specific instrument, influenced by the folk tradition of acapella singing. Trickovic’s singing style reflects the distinct vocal qualities of Balkan female voices, typically sopranos with robust timbre, capable of sustaining breath through phrases and conveying emotional depth through vocal dynamics.
Despite not attending a day of music school, according to her biography on her official website, she has emerged as one of the most esteemed jazz vocalists in Croatia. To date, Trikovic has participated in more than 3,000 concerts and has partnered with notable musicians such as Jaarmo Saari, Aaron Goldberg, and Mikael Jacobsson. Additionally, she has graced the stage of the renowned Carnegie Hall in New York, one of the most prestigious concert venues globally.
Trickovic emphasised the uniqueness of the voice as an instrument, noting that while formal education can provide theoretical knowledge and technical skills, true singing ability is innate and cannot be fully taught. Despite challenges during her school years due to Croatia’s fight for independence, she pursued a musical path without formal training, relying on her natural talent and early experiences in children’s choirs and performances with various bands.
Reflecting on the history of jazz, Trickovic highlighted the tradition of self-taught singers and the importance of innate talent and musical expression over formal education. She recounted her journey of becoming a professional jazz singer, collaborating with renowned musicians in the United States without a formal jazz degree, underscoring the significance of one’s performance quality over academic credentials in the music industry.
Throughout her career, Trickovic pointed out that she has been dedicating hours of daily practice since she was very young to hone her technique, master jazz harmony, develop scat singing** skills, and internalise songs by ear. Her commitment to continuous improvement and hard work, often exceeding that of formally trained musicians, has been instrumental in her success and recognition as a seasoned performer with 25 years of professional experience.
Trickovic noted that her journey serves as a testament to the power of dedication, talent, and stage presence in the music industry, emphasising that one’s abilities and performance quality ultimately define success, transcending the need for formal education credentials. Her advice to aspiring musicians echoes her own experience: focus on honing your craft, showcasing your talent on stage, and becoming so proficient that your skill speaks for itself.
The jazz quintet is set to perform on Friday, March 14, at 8 p.m. Tickets are available for 188 patacas. The poster provides instructions for purchasing tickets.
* “Bebop” is a style of jazz that emerged in the 1940s. It is characterised by fast tempos, complex chord progressions, and intricate melodies. Key figures in bebop include musicians like Charlie Parker, Dizzy Gillespie, and Thelonious Monk. The style marked a shift from the dance-orientated swing music of the previous decade to a more artistic and improvisational form of jazz. – Poe
**Scat singing is a vocal improvisation technique used in jazz music where the singer uses nonsensical syllables and sounds instead of traditional lyrics. This form of expression allows vocalists to mimic instruments and explore melodies and rhythms freely. Scat singing often includes the use of varied vocal techniques, such as slides, growls, and vocal runs, making it a dynamic and creative aspect of jazz performance.
Notable scat singers include Ella Fitzgerald and Louis Armstrong, who are known for their innovative and influential contributions to this style. – Poe
Ines Trickovic performs at the Shanghai International Arts Festival in 2023. – Photos provided by Trickovic
